How relaxing it is sometimes to have an afternoon without being responsible for the entertainment and teas etc. This Chair and  Committee were able to do, as it was a Members Meeting, an afternoon arranged by a small sub committee, but Peggy did volunteer to be in charge of the Tea Register as usual. It took most of us as a surprise, Pat gave a demonstration in the art of flower arrangements, and beautiful they were.

We started off with a picnic - flowers in the basket of course, a background of blue for the sky, greenery for the grass, and others colours to fill out as you would find whilst relaxing. Next we went onto a low table or sideboard arrangement, hot tropical colours, reds and oranges and yellows, not quite so relaxing but very colourful. Back to a serene display, carried out within a picture frame which did not altogether co-operate, Pat had rather a tussle with it to stop it collapsing, but she won her round in the end! Early summer arrives, and sometimes there is a wedding in the family, and so, the next arrangement was a bridal hat (all made with flowers and delicate greenery). A base of Oasis fringed with the dainty green foliage to soften the outline of the 'brim' filled in and shaping the crown, with several white roses as decoration, it looked really beautiful, all this done very professionally on a millinery stand, with a soft green chiffon scarf wound round the stem, of same. Then of course, there is the traditional buttonhole to be worn, which Pat had made previously and did 'a hat trick' pardon the pun, and brought it out at the appropriate moment. Next there was a very, nice arrangement made in a flower pot, a central gladioli and one or two other tall spires, which was filled out to make a very attractive display. Nearing the end of time, and flowers, another small bunch was made, so very little wastage. All these arrangements were then raffled, and the winners chose their favourite.

Pat made it so interesting talking us through, although she said sometimes she finds it harder to demonstrate arrangements within a group of familiar faces, than ones she does not know. She used many different flowers, of all colours, carnations, roses, ladies mantle, gladioli, shrubs and flowers out of her garden. After her demonstration it was question time, and she passed on some very useful tips which no doubt will be utilised when our members try their hand at flower arranging.

A warm vote of thanks was given to her, and next it was tea time. The ladies served a very good tea, sausage rolls, jam and cream scones, and cakes, and of course the ever popular 'cuppa'. Then it was raffle time, there being quite an assortment of items on the table.

So.. ladies thank you so much, to Joan in 'Chair' Master of Ceremonies, Liz flower raffle, Margaret usual raffle, Betty and Pam tea Ladies Peggy, and Sonia. I do hope I have not left anyone out. If so, forgiveness please.

It was good to hear Gladys Ede was home from hospital unfortunately Edna was back at The Royal Surrey, and we were sad to hear Lily Johnson had passed away at the age of 102, and also Toni Porter, both having been Members for many years.

Joan thanked Freda and the Committee for their work for members during the year.

Next Meeting. Chris Bruce, Parks and Gardens Guildford. July 27^th . 2-30, pm.

Can you spare 2 hours very occasionally to cover when regular collators have other commitments.  This may be once or twice a year.